Ep 2127: Why Your Living Room Might Be Your Greatest Ministry This Year

What if your New Year’s celebration could do more than count down the clock? 

In this fun and practical New Year’s special, Jim and Martha Brangenberg share why opening your home – yes, your real, lived-in home – can become a powerful way to build relationships, spark meaningful conversations, and love people well. With plenty of humor, personal stories, and down-to-earth advice, they invite listeners to rethink hospitality as a simple (and joyful) act of stewardship. 

You’ll hear: 

  • Why home gatherings break down walls that workplaces often build 

  • How to host without stress, perfection, or Pinterest pressure 

  • Simple ideas for food, conversation starters, and creating a welcoming atmosphere 

  • Why New Year’s (and events like the Super Bowl) are perfect excuses to bring people together 

  • How hospitality can open doors for deeper relationships all year long 

This episode isn’t about throwing the “perfect” party. It’s about taking the first step, inviting people in, and trusting God to work through ordinary moments. Listen in, then ask yourself: Who could I invite into my space in 2026? 

Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode 

  • 2026 iWork4Him Events 
    Learn more about upcoming in-person gatherings and where Jim and Martha will be in 2026: iWork4Him.com/events (Maryland, North Carolina, Orlando, & Cincinnati) 

  • Support the Mission (PWI Swipe Program) 
    Help more workplace believers figure out “their workplace is their mission field” by partnering with iWork4Him using PWI Swipe. Find all details and start swiping today! 

Book Offer + Signature Punch Recipe 
During the month of January, listeners can receive one of the iWork4Him books for the cost of shipping only – a great way to start the year and share with friends. And if you’re feeling inspired to host, you can also request Martha’s famous mocha punch recipe (plus a few other party-friendly favorites). For both the book offer and the recipe, simply email martha@iwork4him.com or call the “listener line” at 866-713-9675.  

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We’re so thankful for these organizations who helped make the iWork4Him Podcast happen this year: 

  •  Protect your devices from the ever-multiplying cyber schemes that want to steal your money, your information, and your joy. Get SaferNet – a VPN with antivirus, Internet controls, and web filters: https://www.safernet.com  

  • Make the switch to Patriot Mobile, America’s only Christian conservative cell phone service provider. Get two months free when you sign up now through 12/31/25 using code HOLIDAY25 and letting them know that iWork4Him sent you: https://www.patriotmobile.com/iwork4him 

  • For all your payment processing needs, turn to a company that you can trust to use their profits for Kingdom purposes. Check out all that ePaymints offers in the fintech world: https://www.epaymints.com  

And for national (even global) networking and an incredible marketplace missions experience, come to SWC 2026, April 22-24 in Orlando (code IWORK4HIM gets you 10% off): https://www.swc2026.com 

 Featuring: Jim & Martha Brangenberg

Ministry/ Workplace: iWork4Him

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